Lake Le Homme Dieu and six other connected lakes at Alexandria have been officially designated as infested waters, making it illegal for boaters to transport water from them. Officials found zebra mussels in Le Homme Dieu in late June.
The other designated waters are part of the Alexandria chain of lakes connected to Le Homme Dieu, including lakes Alvin, Carlos, Darling, Geneva, Jessie and Victoria.
Although zebra mussels haven't been found in those waters, Department of Natural Resources officials believe that they likely will become infested. Zebra mussel larvae can drift between lakes or can be transported in boat live wells, bait buckets and bilges. Adult mussels can catch a ride on weeds snagged by boats and trailers.
State regulations apply once the DNR designates infested waters. Boaters in those lakes now are required to drain water and remove the drain plug before traveling on public roads. Bait harvest is also prohibited.
DOUG SMITH
